You are here

Nausea and Vomiting

Nausea and vomiting are common side effects of many cancer treatments. Nausea is feeling the urge to vomit, or throw up. Vomiting may happen in expectation of treatment, within 24 hours after treatment, or two or more days after treatment.

Causes of nausea and vomiting

For people with cancer, nausea and vomiting may be caused by the following:

Electrolyte imbalance, which is the loss of minerals such as potassium and sodium in the body

Infections or bleeding in the gastrointestinal (stomach and intestines) system

Heart disease

Other medications

People who are more likely to have nausea and vomiting from chemotherapy include the following:

People who have previously vomited after cancer treatment

People who often have motion sickness

People who are anxious before cancer treatment

People younger than 50, especially women

Mild nausea and vomiting can be quite uncomfortable, but it usually does not cause serious problems. Severe vomiting, such as vomiting a lot and often, can cause dehydration, electrolyte imbalance, weight loss, and depression. In addition, severe vomiting may lead some patients to stop cancer treatment.

Many people find that behavioral treatments can help control nausea and vomiting. Methods such as distraction, relaxation, and positive imagery can help change the expectation and fear of nausea and vomiting. Talk with your health care team about any symptoms you experience, including any new symptoms or a change in symptoms. In some situations, your doctor may be able to recommend another treatment plan that is less likely to cause vomiting.

Cancer.Net provides timely, comprehensive, oncologist-approved information from the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO), with support from the Conquer Cancer Foundation. Cancer.Net brings the expertise and resources of ASCO to people living with cancer and those who care for and about them to help patients and families make informed health care decisions.